FLORIDA…BE AWARE

FLORIDA…BE AWARE!

It doesn't take much to spark memories of 1998, when wild fires torched more than 200,000 acres in Volusia and Flagler counties.

Heat. Crunchy Grass. A hint of smoke in the air.

Survivors of that summer nightmare never want it repeated.

With drought conditions at varying levels throughout Florida, the Division of Forestry relies heavily on the Keetch-Bryam Drought Index (KBDI). The KDBI is a continuous reference scale for estimating the dryness of the soil.

High values of the KBDI are an indication that conditions are favorable for the occurrence and spread of wildfires, but drought is not by itself a prerequisite for wildfires. Other factors such as wind, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric stability, play a major role in determining actual fire danger.

The Wildfire index runs zero to 800. In most parts of Florida it is running somewhere in the 700 range. A normal moisture index is in the 400 range for Florida.

DID YOU KNOW THAT "BAD FIRE"

From 1998-2001 damaged for destroyed more then 760 homes and businesses in Florida.

Destroyed more than 1.4 million acres of Florida wild lands in 1998-2001.

Set maliciously by arsonists destroys an average of 65,000 acres in Florida each year.

SUMER SAFTEY TIPS

You shouldn't toss burning cigarettes from car windows.

Warn your children of the dangers of setting fires.

Pay close attention to weather conditions before burning.

Trim back your foliage.

Keep hoses in a handy location where they are easily accessible.

FIREWORKS PRECAUTIONS FOR DRY CONDITIONS 1. WATER SUPPLY - Have a ready supply of water or a fire extinguisher. A connected hose is the best precaution, but buckets of water or fire extinguisher will do.
2. TYPE OF SHOOTING SITE - The shooting site should ideally be concrete, asphalt or dirt-a surface that will not burn. The fireworks should be kept away from wooded or grassy areas that would be susceptible to fire.
3. WATER DOWN THE SHOOTING SITE IN ADVANCE - The shooting site should be watered down prior to any device being ignited.
4. ADULT SUPERVISION NECESSARY - Adults must be present at all times to unsure that the safety precautions are met.

Phantom Fireworks wants you to enjoy the fun and excitement of fireworks in a safe and careful manner.

During this vulnerable time, please use extra caution and safety precautions when using consumer fireworks.